Teach English in Korea: Income and Expenses (Part 1)

[@iamroslynne]

I appreciate your videos. They're very straight to the point with relatable examples. I've been considering going to Korea or Japan to teach English for a couple of years, but have only recently started seriously considering it. Thank you for all your help.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Glad it was helpful. Good luck.

[@SuperMusikHaus]

As eager as I was to jump into the world of teaching English in Korea, I still had reservations and some self doubts just because I felt so ill-informed. I’m super thankful for your videos, especially since your manner of speaking is so similar to my Dad’s. It was very comforting. Thanks again :)

[@Reddragondiaries]

It has been a great career for some, that's for sure. You don't need to be an English major. If you mean certified teacher back home, you have a world of opportunities around the world. But if you meant, TESL cert. that is great too.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Yes absolutely. In Korea, cities often offer free Korean lessons for foreigners. The one in Busan is intense, but if you really want to learn to speak the language you WILL in this course. It's taught in Korean because it's the common language in the class. Foreigners from many countries attend.

[@marshalhaynes3007]

Good video! Three things I learned about teaching ESOL overseas: Avoid on-line TESOL courses like the plague. Many countries won't give you a visa if you have one, and many companies won't even consider you for employment if your degree was obtained on-line. Ditto for TESOL certs that are under 120 hours. (I’d go for 140 just to be safe.) Lastly, get a copy of Mark's English Grammar Shortcuts and MEMORIZE it. Makes things MUCH easier.

[@PeaceTheGypsy]

Your videos are so informative! It's something I have been thinking about for a while. My life has been pretty much centered around Korean culture for the past three years. I am addicted to the dramas and KPOP in particular and love the food. Living there and teaching would be a dream. Thank you so much for your advice!

[@Reddragondiaries]

I'm glad it's helpful. Seems like the world loves K-dramas!

[@PeaceTheGypsy]

Indeed :)

[@Reddragondiaries]

No there's no age cap for teaching in public schools. This is a great way to break things up for a while

[@choiretto]

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply to me! Greatly appreciated. :) There is a specific city I long to teach in, but I guess not knowing of my future placement location just makes it oh-the-more fun and exciting! :D

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thank you for the compliments and feedback. A lot of it depends on the province you will be placed in. Payscales differ per province. Here in Busan you would start at 2 million won per month. It's going to be a moving target for you because you will not be told your placement location untill the very end of orientation in Korea. You receive higher pay for being in more rural areas.

[@choiretto]

Hello! First of all... I would like to THANK YOU for the wonderful work, effort, and time you're putting into tommyreddragon blog posts, videos on this KZbin channel, and answers to people's questions in the comment section! It is all highly informative, detailed, easy to understand.... Done in a very professional and neat way. In one word - HELPFUL (to the power of amazement) ! Truly... you are a great help to those taking the route of becoming English teachers in Korea! Thank you! :)

[@Reddragondiaries]

I am with Busan Office of Education. I came through EPIK and I love Busan. Great life and experiences here.

[@joell527]

Man, these videos are really great. Thanks. Living in Taiwan but the insights translate easily. Good stuff.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Bus fare is between 1,080 - 1,200 won. You can also transfer to the subways as well. Just like in any other major city back home. Subways cost the same. Cabs are very inexpensive. Starting fare is 2,200 won and will last you a decent distance. If you need to go longer distances, I'm not really sure what the per mile/km rate is. I don't ride all that much in cabs. But they are pretty inexpensive. You'll be fine with about $500 for food and transportation for a week I believe.

[@Reddragondiaries]

For EPIK, you can do either now. Considering the jobs are fewer now, I would assume that you'd be better off with a recruiter to ensure your documentation is in order before submitting to EPIK. If you go directly and some of it is out of line, getting a response to correct it may take longer, if you even get a response at all.

[@theathia8899]

I really enjoyed watching this video. Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful information.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Yes, nothing is really too "cheap" here. Prices are rising with the times and the strength of the Korean economy. Thanks for watching and commenting. I'm glad you enjoy them. I enjoy making them as well.

[@Reddragondiaries]

They are generally 1-2 room studios. Sometimes you can get a small 1 bedroom. I have 2 videos on my channel showing my apt and a friends as well. These will give you a good idea.

[@Reddragondiaries]

In Busan it's about $1.00 for subways, and buses. Transfers knock it down to about $.20

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thanks. yes Korea is defintely a hub to other countries which makes it a desirable place to work. Easy to go to China and Japan. Especially Japan.

[@Puiffanick]

this is the type of information I have been looking for. thanks for breaking this stuff down. i appreciate it.

[@Reddragondiaries]

I did mostly local stuff and it was a mix of foreigners and natives. I went to Tokyo my first semester though. You can definitely travel alot around Asia.

[@Reddragondiaries]

You have great qualifications to teach anywhere in the world actually. If Korea is your choice, then you will definitely be on a higher payscale. I posted the link to the Official Payscale document, published by BMCOE in the comments section.

[@Plankicorn]

This video was very helpful to me. You seem to have a great grasp on reality and it makes the information you give very practical.

[@Reddragondiaries]

First 2 years you are tax-exempt if from America. I believe salaries start at 1.8 so after expenses and medical you'll probably have around 1.3-1.4 left for savings or spending.

[@Reddragondiaries]

If you go through EPIK you are not allowed to do that contractually. If they find out, the Office of Education can pull your visa. That being said, if you choose to do so, there is a lot of free time with this job. I generally get home around 4:45 pm and have the rest of the night free. Lots of time!

[@Reddragondiaries]

Yes you can.

[@Reddragondiaries]

I think if you bring maybe $5-600 USD you should be ok. That will easily cover food, transportation (buses and cabs), and any gifts you may pick up. You could probably get away with less, but to be on the safe side...

[@Reddragondiaries]

The public school jobs are cutting back, but that just means there'll be many opportunities in private schools or hagwons. I went through I Love ESL, but any recruiter should do. You can also check out Footprints Recruiting

[@Reddragondiaries]

I think it's a great idea to get your TESL cert. I did mine online as well through ITTT. You should be all set to come and have a great experience.

[@AceWall73]

Yeah going out burns money. Lots of stuff to do in seoul! The art museums are really awesome and cheap. A few in Heungdae and sinsa are well worth the trip. I've been here about 3 years.

[@cumensu]

Ask your school. You have to take certification classes to do that. Your college or university will tell you about TESOL, at mine we have to take four classes.

[@TheZandra17]

well if there's something close to target I think I'll be okay

[@Reddragondiaries]

I think it would be tough, but not necessarily impossible. However, if you want to teach abroad you may want to reconsider going back to school. The requirements are getting pretty strict out there.

[@Reddragondiaries]

My brother, I know you'll enjoy the experience here with your attitude. I speak NO Korean. I wish now that I did. I need to start studying again. Keep that 5 year goal!!

[@Reddragondiaries]

There are a few combinations on how to get there. It's basically 3-4 years of experience with a masters or certifications. Plus renewal within the same province. Kind of difficult to get there, but if you have a long term vision and are motivated, you can get there. I put a link to the details in the video details section for you.

[@yumiko0017]

not really because your apartment is paid for, your insurance is taken care of. you might as well say the 1.8 million won is like your personal spend money on anything especially when it is tax free.

[@Reddragondiaries]

I'm just finishing up my second year. I was in a small old place for a month or so way at the start. Then moved to a small new place but there were some water leakage issues. So I got moved upstairs and have been here ever since. No biggie, they move everything for me.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Yes absolutely. You can PM me here on YT.

[@Reddragondiaries]

If you are from the USA, you do not pay income tax for the first two years of teaching.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Lol - yes we can. One thing I love about being in Korea - I can eat Korean food whenever I want.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Good question about degrees from other countries. You may want to confirm that with a recruiter. I think those countries you listed sound about right.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Yes, many teachers are just out of college

[@Reddragondiaries]

EPIK may be challenging at that time. It's shrinking pretty rapidly. But hagwons should be plentiful

[@allanadona2012]

I'm teaching English, too. I use the phone though. I call students from my country, Philippines. I'm a big fan of yours.

[@Reddragondiaries]

I think some of it in recent years has to do with the weakening economy. Other countries are paying more though.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Seoul was my first choice, Busan my second. I'm not sure what is happening lately with Seoul. I only know that jobs were cut back considerably last year.

[@choiretto]

2 million won should be enough for me to live on. I think.... So, as long as I'm able to find a job teaching English in Korea (in 2017) - life is more kind and generous to me than what I actually deserve to receive from it. If that is the case, then I guess there really is this something out there that at the moment, I can only dream of.... Thanks again! :)

[@savingmoney5604]

They have a Walmart in Korea I remember going there its kind of near the Gyeongido province area.

[@TheDelikizzz]

I want to know about the utility fees like electricity Internet etc and like how much would it cost to travel to let's say japan during a winter break or something?

[@nohjaesung]

500 dollars would be enough for weeks

[@saphiecor]

@@nohjaesung how many weeks?

[@2012alvaradojesus]

when you say no education to teach does that mean anyone can teach? and if so how do they pay your rent is it also part of your contract?

[@Reddragondiaries]

Good questions. You can come with a spouse. A girlfriend, I'm not too sure if they will allow that. Regarding work opportunities, they would need to have a work visa like you will be receiving. Or, they could do English tutoring as long as they are not working for the office of education.

[@nellychess]

Thanks for all the help. I grew up in Miami, and my Grandma lived at Wynmoor in Coconut Creek. I wouldn't guess you're finding too much Cuban food over there, but it seems like food paradise nonetheless. I'm planning on using recruiters, and coming out in September, hopefully with a job. I will have a tennis job that ends late August, so I can come with a decent nest egg. I'm going to study Korean between now and then. My only Cred. is a Bachelors degree, so I hope that's enough.

[@theamethyst93]

Looking to get into this when I graduate college in May of 2017

[@paulabaver3791]

hi thank you for the quick response,I do not speak Korean interpret English to Italian for the Courts and speak,conversational Spanish and French.

[@WhiteNeko90]

I just stumbled across your videos and find them very informative. I studied abroad in South Korea for a year and learned quite a bit of the language, but I'm still not a fluent level. I plan to first work under EPIK but I would also like to further improve my Korean since my plan is to live there permanently. Do you know where I could go in Korea to learn when I spend most of my day teaching? Are there Hagwons that I could attend during nights and weekends for foreigners learning Korean?

[@Reddragondiaries]

Good choice. Before you know it, you'll be finished with it. Just knock it out and then get ready to travel.

[@iGallivant]

Have you been in the same apartment the entire 3 years, Tom? Do you see a vast difference between living in (near) Busan vs. Seoul, such as temperature, pollution, teaching spots available, (and access to beaches!)? Anything else to add? Do you find it's easy to befriend Koreans (if that is your desire), or the expats "stick together"? Thx! Gina

[@rebeccajean6732]

what electric voltage do they use? 120 or 250?

[@timphilpott7867]

Great vids! I was thinking about coming to Korea to teach in the public school system next fall. I'm a jazz musician here in the states and I was wondering if you might know of the music performance opportunities in Korea. Would I be allowed to perform music there? Do they have live music?

[@Reddragondiaries]

Yes, many venues for music here. You may even be able to find a gig.

[@Reddragondiaries]

From the movie Tommy Boy I hope

[@choiretto]

Now to my situation.... I am starting on my 2 year Associate of Arts Degree in fall 2013; after... thinking of continuing with either Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Education. Local College Advisor told me that Bachelor of Education holds more benefits (higher salary, more opportunities for work), but it's also more pricey and takes one extra year to complete (in comparison to Bachelor of Arts).

[@mercysangel22]

I was just looking into the program that you are referring to in your vid and came across your vid by chance. Neat. I want to teach in Korea and am researching the different programs. I know you mentioned that rent is free, but what is the apartment like that they provide you?

[@atbrown4945]

I hope to teach in South Korea by August or September of this year. What agency are you contracted through, and what kind of certification/years of experience do you have? How does that effect your monthly salary?

[@grnikolaevich]

Thank you SeoulTee you are so kind, to explaining all dowse things for free, tell me please 1) I'm not a native english, but planning to have TEFL but don't know how many hours will be enough 2000usd or more? 2 Im holding an Armenian passport, do I need to apply for korean visa or it will be given in aeroport, or will provided by school? 3) I speak english french russian armenian :) and have engineer/mechanic background, do you think it will be helpful? thank you! Best Regards! Narek

[@nellychess]

Great, informative video. Thanks for postng. I have 2 questions for you. I'm going to be 42 by the time I'm ready to go(September). I've spent the last 15 years teaching tennis in the states. Will it be tough for me to find work? Also, I am a competitive tennis player, and need to live in a place where tennis playing is affordable,and there are other players. Would Busan be a good place for that? Thanks for any info.

[@Reddragondiaries]

That's a good explanation for not tutoring. I just know you're not supposed to do it. With EPIK, you can't really do any side jobs at all or they can pull your visa and send you home.

[@JamConcerned]

Love your video, it's thoughtful and detailed. Also you share a lot of information. Is travel to other countries in the area very reasonable. Seems like South Korea is a hub to other locations.

[@at1212b]

I wished I had gone to Korea in the early 2000s. My buddy went, and said it was an awesome time. That's when it was just budding, and foreign teachers there did get treated with more fascination. Especially if you're a foreign born Korean. However, my buddy blew all his money.

[@andreamoboe]

Thanks. V informative. I'm looking at EPIK for 2013...I have a Masters in Primary teaching, have been teaching since 2010, which I have been told puts me on a higher pay scale!?! I'm from Australia. Are there many Aussies teaching there? I did a winter English camp in Gwangju in Jan 2011. It was great fun!

[@joshjimson6320]

Hi, I had a question that I seem to get a lot of difference answers for, but you seem more knowledgeable than most. I currently plan to go back to school and finish my bachelors in education so that I can teach in either China, Korea, or Japan. The question is: is it possible to learn the native language, maybe not fluently but at least enough to understand some of the conversation while teaching?

[@saveyoursoulyt]

I so appreciate your videos! I have a question. Can you apply to Gepik and Epik at the same time?

[@Reddragondiaries]

yes you should be able to

[@pamelapinkard]

Good information... very handsome. wow

[@booklover555]

What is the best way to go about searching for a teaching position in Korea?

[@cavsfightingroom3692]

Love your channel, i myself want to work and live in korea(im live atm in germany) but i dont have any clue how to start. my korean is still very basic nothing special. i want to be a fitness trainer in korea. hope i can make it happen in 3-4 years

[@tonywhite8390]

Subscribed, thanks for the information very helpfully, what state are your from anyway?

[@Reddragondiaries]

Florida. Wow, this video is almost 3 years old lol!

[@msidoki]

I loved your video, very helpful! I know that there seems to be a lot of people wanting to teach english in korea, I'm currently in college and planning to teach english in korea, do you think I would find a job there in maybe 3 years? since there are a lot of people wanting to be teachers? Is it easy to find a teaching job?

[@anishathomasp3742]

should we really need to know and speak korean if we want to teach english in korea?

[@iGallivant]

PS, did you find yourself traveling all over the first year, on weekends and such? Did you mainly do this by yourself or other expats/natives? I would think with the amount of down time, one could travel all over Asia, especially during the yearly vaca... Cheers, Gina

[@lulu9903]

You're really handsome! Great video

[@CupidsAssassin]

Thanks so much =) It's so difficult trying to find this sort of information. Very helpful.

[@semonylicket]

I also heard that native english speaking teachers aren't allowed to speak Korean during the class, does this apply to every school?

[@thevisi0naryy]

What kind of terms are there? Like the minimum is one school year?

[@CoolAce1]

This is one of the best videos on the net for anyone going to live in Korea. I was also near Pusan and visited often. Luckily, my school gave free meals, so I had virtually no expenses. It got very lonely at times, however. I found out that friends really were just curious about me, so it was a revolving door of new friends. It's really hard to be accepted in Korea if you're not Korean. Strangely, this made me like Korea much more! It was a challenge to be accepted. You are part Korean? Are you part Caucasian? Sorry to ask!

[@Reddragondiaries]

Desperately in love with Korea!

[@PurpleInvisible]

On my god, chicken is 8000 won now in Korea? Wow, i remember buying it for 600 ~ 700 won while I was growing up. Of course that is over 30 years ago. Tom, I appreciate all your postings/videos and as I said before on your other video, I envy you and I enjoy your video and I get to see my home country again through your video. Have fun and be safe.

[@ToolsAreToys]

What Programme/Company do you work for? I am very interested in getting involved, but keen to stick to the bigger cities.

[@Reddragondiaries]

I live in Busan. It will be easier to find judo than BJJ here, the opposite of back home. I think in your area you may have better luck finding a BJJ school. BJJ is also more expensive than judo here, kind of like back home. I PM'd you a FB page where people will be able to let you know about BJJ schools in your area. All the best!

[@booklover555]

And also can you share what the weather (temp) is from month to month?

[@stevel.3650]

Very similar to North America, hot summers and cold winters. Fall and spring are mild.

[@anao9765]

When you apply with the company and you get accepted do they pick the location where youre going to teach ? I really dont want to end up in the country side of korea. Im looking more to working in Busan or Seoul

[@MaharlikaAWA]

How much money in U.S. dollars is a typical martial arts gym going to cost per month? Did you say 100,000 won? is that about 100 bucks?

[@Reddragondiaries]

Also, check out my video called "Teaching English in Korea from 2 Veterans of the Game" re: Aussies in Busan!

[@rebeccajean6732]

What do you do for internet?

[@teacherchaz4797]

Hi I love your videos. I wonder if you could tell me if I would be regarded as too old (find it hard to find employment) to teach or acquire employment as a primary teacher in Korea? I have been teaching in Thailand for about 8 years now. Many thanks! Oh by the way I am 37.

[@yuukib.5528]

How did you apply to become a teacher in Korea?

[@judokapony]

Judo in Japan is sometimes free. I practice 3 times a week and pay nothing. I was even given a free gi. Hardcore workouts too.

[@photojoebill1989]

Dude this is perfect. I'm going to be heading to Korea in hopefully a month or so. I also train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, and will definitely be looking for a gym there. I figured about $100 US was going to be the average cost (same as here in the US). Where do you live if you don't mind me asking? I'm hoping to get located near Illson, as that's where my girlfriend lives (she's a Korean national who's been living in the US).

[@paulabaver3791]

thank you very informative makes me want to come and work there.I am an interpreter wonder if you can work there with out eny certificate? Paula

[@Reddragondiaries]

Wow. It will take me longer to write this than it would to reach Wynmoor from my home in FL. Small world. If you do find Cuban food here, it won't be like home, but it may be better than nothing. I miss the food in FL to to be honest. You should be able to find a job teaching somewhere. Just keep an eye on the openings and press the recruiters.

[@sand4all]

WOW, Judo is great, I really enjoyed it in my teens. Never got to Black belt :( Yellow belt is what I remember, also did a few competitions too. Thanks for the insight SeoulTeee.

[@Reddragondiaries]

You can live judo vicariously through some of my vids until you start training again!

[@sand4all]

Getting a little bit old, but would love to train again. Here where I live in the rural south west UK, Judo is quite hard to find classes. I still remember some of the moves, and you know what, it is still instinctual, even now. Sure I will have a browse at the vids.

[@sand4all]

Would a mature 40+ British guy with a BA in English with history, holding an ESL certificate be desirable? I would be curious on income tax on earnings. Compared to China, South Korea pay scales equal or better?

[@Reddragondiaries]

I think you have a lot of options, not just in korea but overall. I suggest contacting a good recruiter and scour the job boards to build some knowledge on what's out there and what the requirements are. No tax in korea for first 2 years if from the US.